Will England qualify for World Cup 2014?

Will England still qualify for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil after their 1-1 draw in Montenegro?

With four games left they trail the Montenegrins by two points, but the remaining games look to favour England.

Montenegro play at home to Ukraine in June, a match they could easily drop points in, so if they draw they would then be three points ahead with England having a game in hand.

Next up for England is a home game with Moldova, where three points should be a foregone conclusion. On the same night Montenegro are away to Poland, where you would be surprised if they managed to take three points. So, England should at least be level on points, or at worst a point behind, by this stage.

England play their game in hand a few days later in Ukraine, which will admittedly be a tough game. A draw, however, should put them level with Montenegro - or even a point ahead.

The group ends in October with the crucial game, England at home to Montenegro. Victory in this game should be enough to seal qualification as it would hopefully put England either three or four points ahead with one game left and a superior goal difference.

A few days later the Montenegrins are home to Moldova, which should give them three points, while England are in Poland, a game that will once again revive memories of 1973 and their failure to qualify for the 1974 World Cup finals. However, a draw should be well within England's capabilities.

In fact, with Ukraine still having to play San Marino twice, it could be that they end up being England's closest challengers - taking a play-off place in what proves to be a thrilling finale.

Predictions:

Montenegro v Ukraine - 1-1

England v Moldova - 4-0

Poland v Montenegro - 2-1

Ukraine v San Marino - 5-0

Ukraine v England - 0-0

England v Montenegro - 2-1

Ukraine v Poland - 2-1

Montenegro v Moldova - 1-0

San Marino v Ukraine - 0-3

Poland v England - 1-1

Predicted final Group H table:

England - 20 points

Ukraine - 19 points

Montenegro - 18 points

Poland - 17 points

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeFootball Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeFootball.com or SportsNewMedia.The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeFootball.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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